Black and white portrait of a shirtless young man with curly hair leaning closely over a vertical Gretsch electric guitar.

Black and white close-up of a face obscured behind steamy glass with handwritten lettering wiped into condensation.

Black and white low-key portrait of a shirtless young man seated with arms folded across his knees, holding a pen.

Bare leg and foot resting on the keyboard of a black upright piano against a vibrant blue wall with scattered sheet music.

Black and white photo of a man reclining on a chaise lounge in an unbuttoned white shirt with fruit bowls on side tables.

Black and white close-up portrait of a young man with slicked-back hair resting his chin on crossed arms against a dark background.

Shirtless young man with curly hair holding a white electric guitar over his shoulder in a black and white studio portrait.

A man curls in a fetal position on the floor among scattered sheet music before a black upright piano against a deep blue wall.

Numero Netherlands Espérance 2025

About

Espérance is an editorial photography series for Numéro Netherlands, featuring a collection of high-contrast portraits and interior compositions. The project explores a moody aesthetic, relying heavily on chiaroscuro techniques and low-key lighting to define form and texture across its subjects. Photographed by Joey Leo, the series leans into an enigmatic, tactile mood, utilizing monochrome palettes and surrealist set arrangements. The imagery spans a range of intimate close-ups and staged musical vignettes, balancing sharp studio focus with minimalist backgrounds to maintain a consistent visual narrative.